Coastal Lawyers Client Feedback and Reviews

Coastal Lawyers Client Feedback and Reviews

Each and every piece of feedback we receive from our clients is so incredible important to me.

It shows that we are on the right track. It shows that we are making small in roads towards changing the perceptions of lawyers generally.

My ethos is that you can’t be expected to make big decisions about your life unless you have a legal adviser that you trust and feel safe with.

Our feedback shows that there is a market for lawyers who not only have the legal knowledge you expect but also have an empathetic and heart centred approach you really do need.

So if you have a legal problem, feel free to book in a free 15 minute chat online with one of our lawyers or book a 1 hour strategy session at a cost of $330. We offer strategy sessions for all areas of criminal law, family law, divorce and estate planning.

Feedback about Jayne at Coastal Lawyers.
Jayne Tayler solicitor is very approachable and easy to talk to.
Jayne Tayler was wonderful, very informative and easy to talk to.
Kind, understanding and very knowledgeable
Kristal is nothing short of amazing
Thorough, transparent, reassuring
Kristal is amazingly prompt and knowledgeable
The whole team at Coastal Lawyers has been great
Honest and calming and very knowledgeable
Kristal gave me the knowledge and confidence to self represent at local court

Book in a free 15 minute call today.

Family Law: Property Mediation

Family Law: Property Mediation

Mediation Preparation Sessions: Property 

At Coastal Lawyers, we are team mediation! We love it!

 Mediation can save clients’ money, years of heart ache and stress and can really help preserve co-parenting relationships so that parents can get back to their important role of guiding little humans on their life’s journey.

 But like anything, you get what you put in.

 That’s why preparation for your mediation is crucial to your success.

 This is why we developed our mediation preparation sessions.

 During our 90-minute session (which can be done via zoom or face to face at our boutique offices at Gosford), we will prepare you for your upcoming property mediation including:

Mindset:

The first step to a successful mediation is having the right mindset.

We will explain to you:

  • How a mediation works.
  • What to expect at a mediation and
  • The link between positive communication and positive mediation outcomes.
  • How best to negotiate with your former partner and advocate for yourself.

The Law:

Knowing the law is powerful. When you know where you stand legally; you then understand if what you are asking for is reasonable or not.

We will explain to you in plain English what your pre- action procedure rights and responsibilities are in respect of disclosure.

We will explain to you the four-step approach to property settlement including how contributions are dealt with both financially and non-financial, add backs and future needs.

 

Your Balance Sheet:

After completing our detailed questionnaire, we will assist you to come up with a balance sheet that reflects your assets, liabilities, superannuation and add backs that you have a physical document you can take to mediation with you.

 

Your Disclosure Obligations:

We will explain to you your (and your partners) disclosure obligations under the Family Law Act 1975 so you understand what financial information you have an obligation to disclose and what rights you have to request financial information from your former spouse.

 

Your Opening Statement:

We will assist you with tips and tricks on how best to prepare your opening statement and how to best advocate on your behalf at your mediation.

 

How much does it cost?

Our property mediation preparation sessions cost $440. You can pay via credit card or direct deposit in advance of your meeting.

 

How long does the session go for? 

Our property mediation preparation sessions go for 90 minutes.

 

How can the property mediation preparation sessions be undertaken?

These sessions are best done face to face at our Gosford Offices, otherwise we can also facilitate by way of zoom.

 

How to book?

You can simply book online below or you can give our office a call on 1300 271 289.

 

Legally Assisted Mediation:

It is important that you go into mediation feeling that there is a level playing field. If you don’t feel confident that you can advocate on your behalf or are worried about feeling pressured into reaching an agreement that is not in your best interests, legally assisted mediation may be more appropriate to you. Legally assisted mediation is done through a private mediator where both parties are also entitled to bring their lawyers to help assist them navigate the process.

In our experience, legally assisted mediation is often much more successful, largely since those who attend legally assisted mediation tend to be better prepared as to how the law is application to their case. They tend to have more realistic expectations as to what a just and equitable outcome in. Our lawyers have attended countless mediations, so we have the tools to be able to negotiate and remain emotionally detached from any outcome, which can often understandably be extremely difficulty for the parties to the marriage.

At Coastal Lawyers we offer fixed fee’s for legally assisted mediation. This process starts with a 1-hour Strategy Session for $330. Following our Strategy Session and understanding your unique situation, we provide you with a fixed fee scope.

WHO ARE COASTAL LAWYERS? 

Coastal Lawyers are central coast family lawyers. We offer representation in all areas of family law including divorce, parenting property and maintenance. 

Written by Kristal

Written by Kristal

Principal Lawyer & Founder of Coastal Lawyers

Kristal was admitted as a lawyer in 2011. A former prosecutor, she has a Diploma in Law. A Graduate Certificate in Criminal Practice and is currently completing her Masters in Family Law (2022).

Kristal is a member of the Legal Aid Panels for criminal law and family law and domestic violence. 

Fun Fact: Kristal loves all things mindfulness, meditation and "wu wu". 

 

Coastal Lawyers- Blog

Interested to learn more about family law? Read our earlier blog posts below. 

Key Changes to the Family Law Amendment Act 2023

Key Changes to the Family Law Amendment Act 2023

The Family Law Amendment Act 2023 introduces significant updates to family law in Australia, aiming to modernize the system and enhance its focus on child safety, cultural recognition, and fairness. Here’s an overview of the most important changes and how they might...

Getting Your Documents Certified

Getting Your Documents Certified

At some point, you may be asked to provide certified copies of important documents. Whether it’s for legal, financial, or identification purposes, getting your documents certified is a common requirement. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get your...

5 ways to survive divorce

5 ways to survive divorce

There is a reason they write so many love songs about break ups. They absolutely suck. But being family lawyers we also see so many wonderful clients thrive after separation.

Our 5 bigs observations from clients who don’t just survive divorce but thrive are:

They have Besties

Having a good support system that you can call or hang out with on those tough days is invaluable.

They make time for their physical health

A regular exercise routine, even if it’s just a regular walk after school drop off or in your lunch break is great for your mind, body and spirit.

They prioritise their emotional health

Looking after your mental and emotional health is crucial.

Finding someone you connect with to help you navigate the emotions that naturally flow from a breakup is critical.

Whether it’s traditional therapy or alternative therapy like reiki, find the combination that works for you.

They engage in legal advice and create a plan

Early legal advice is often crucial to your success.

This is why at Coastal Lawyers we offer an obligation free Strategy Session for $330, so you can get answers to all those legal questions you naturally have after separation.

Seeing a lawyer shouldn’t be scary, it’s just part of your separation toolkit.

Many clients come to us before separation, after separation and then many months later when they need help documenting their agreements or where negotiations may have failed and they need a hand.

They have a positive mindset

There will be days or weeks that feel heavy and hard but a positive mindset and embracing a growth mindset will win every day and keep you focused on the exciting new future that awaits you.

Because there are no accidents in life and these are all learnings.

Book in a free 15 minute discovery call online now

Family Law: Pre- action procedures

Family Law: Pre- action procedures

In September 2021, the Federal Circuit Court and the Family Court merged to create the FCFCOA.

With that merger brought a stronger focus on pre-action procedures. These are the steps that families should take before they even consider bringing an application in court.

While there are still exemptions if you are the victim of family violence, children are at risk of harm or the matter is urgent. There is a clear pathway towards mediation and resolution outside of court.

At @coastallawyers we embrace every opportunity to keep our clients out of court and we think that the whole process of mediation just makes sense for families. It is inclusive. It is collaborative. It is much more cost effective. The parties remain in control and it is future focussed.

If you have recently separated, then why not book in a 1 hour Strategy Session @coastallawyers for $330 and we can discuss how the pre-action procedures apply to your family.

As of 1 July 2022 we also offer fixed fees for family law matters including legally assisted mediation and consent orders.
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How do you apply for a Divorce?

How do you apply for a Divorce?

Overview:  How do I get a Divorce?

Divorce is not about Property Settlement. 

Divorce is not about Parenting. 

Divorce is about the legal dissolution of a marriage (very unromantic compared to the wedding event which creates a marriage). 

Divorce is very much an administrative process in the eyes of the law (although it sure doesn’t feel like it for anyone living it). 

The Law:

The process for obtaining a divorce is governed by legislation (the law). Including:

  1. Part VI of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (The Act) and;
  1. The Family Court and Federal Circuit Court Rules 2021 (The Rules) and;
  1. Practical Guidance is also provided by the Central Practice Direction and Practice Direction ‘Divorce Proceedings (FAM-DIVORCE).

When can you file for divorce?

Either party to a marriage can file for divorce once the jurisdictional question in section 39[1] and the legislative test in section 48 have been met.

What are the reasons for a divorce in Australia?

Australia has a no-fault divorce concept.

This means that if someone has an affair or one party is at fault for the breakdown of the relationship, this is not relevant to the question of whether a divorce should be granted.

Separation is defined under section 49 of the Act and makes it clear that “parties to a marriage may be held to be separated notwithstanding that the cohabitation was brought to an end by the action or conduct of one only of the parties”.

The legal test for a divorce application being brought is set out in Section 48 of the Act. Being:

  1. Has the marriage broken down irretrievably[2]?
  1. The court determines whether a marriage has irretrievably broken down when the parties separated and lived separately and apart for a continuous period of not less than 12 months[3]?

If the court considers that there is a reasonable likelihood of cohabitation being resumed, then the court will not make the order for divorce[4].

Family Law Time Limits:

You only have 12 months[5] from the date of divorce to finalise your property settlement or maintenance request unless you have the consent of the other party or leave of the court. It is crucial that you obtain legal advice in respect of Property Settlement before proceeding with your divorce.

 

Children under the age of 18 years old:

If there are children under the age of 18 years old to your marriage, the court will need to be satisfied that there are suitable care arrangements in place for the ‘care, welfare and development of the children[6].

Do you need help?

If you need help with your application for divorce then Coastal Lawyers can help. We offer a fixed fee divorce process to make the process of getting your divorce, stress free and certain in terms of your legal fees.

 

Book in a free 15 minute call to discuss your divorce today.

 

[1] Section 38 Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) there is jurisdiction if either spouse at the time of filing is an Australian citizen, domiciled or ordinarily resident in Australia.

[2] Section 48(1) Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)

[3] Section 48(2) Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)

[4] Section 48(3) Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)

[5] Section 44(3) Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)

[6] Section 55 Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)

Written by Kristal

Written by Kristal

Principal Lawyer & Founder of Coastal Lawyers

Kristal was admitted as a lawyer in 2011. A former prosecutor, she has a Diploma in Law. A Graduate Certificate in Criminal Practice and is currently completing her Masters in Family Law (2022).

Kristal is a member of the Legal Aid Panels for criminal law and family law and domestic violence. 

Fun Fact: Kristal loves all things mindfulness, meditation and “wu wu”. 

 

Disclaimer: Because would we even be lawyers without one? 

  • This article is not legal advice and has been prepared as a resource to assist members of the community and legal profession who wish to have an understanding of a particular area of the law.
  • You should always undertake your own research and/or consult with a lawyer to ensure that the information is up to date and relevant to your case.  
  • In addition, the blog post refers to the law as current at a particular date. The law is changing regularly and accordingly, you should always refer to the legislation applicable at the time . 
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Free 15 minute discovery Call!

If you are still not sure then book in a free 15 minute chat with our office to find out how we can assist.